Circumcision as a Symbol of the Resurrection (Saint Augustine)

The octave or “eighth day” of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. It is sometimes called “Low Sunday” since is the lower of the two Sundays in the Easter octave. As the eighth day of Easter, it carries a special meaning.

Saint Augustine wrote that this eighth day of Easter is a sign of new birth and faith as it was prefigured by Old Covenant Circumcision:

This is the octave day of your new birth. Today is fulfilled in you the sign of faith that was prefigured in the Old Testament by the circumcision of the flesh on the eighth day after birth. When the Lord rose from the dead, he put off the mortality of the flesh; his risen body was still the same body, but it was no longer subject to death. By his resurrection he consecrated Sunday, or the Lord’s day. Though the third after his passion, this day is the eighth after the Sabbath, and thus also the first day of the week.[1]

There is a lot to unpack in this Augustine quote. The connection between circumcision and resurrection is an interesting one. Augustine interprets both as a removal of the mortality of the flesh. Note that it is not a removal of the body. Rather, it is a transformation of the body – a glorification.

Does anyone know of any other related texts?

[1] Office of Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday.

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Circumcision as a Symbol of the Resurrection (Saint Augustine)

The octave or “eighth day” of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. It is sometimes called “Low Sunday” since is the lower of the two Sundays in the Easter octave. As the eighth day of Easter, it carries a special meaning.

Saint Augustine wrote that this eighth day of Easter is a sign of new birth and faith as it was prefigured by Old Covenant Circumcision:

This is the octave day of your new birth. Today is fulfilled in you the sign of faith that was prefigured in the Old Testament by the circumcision of the flesh on the eighth day after birth. When the Lord rose from the dead, he put off the mortality of the flesh; his risen body was still the same body, but it was no longer subject to death. By his resurrection he consecrated Sunday, or the Lord’s day. Though the third after his passion, this day is the eighth after the Sabbath, and thus also the first day of the week.[1]

There is a lot to unpack in this Augustine quote. The connection between circumcision and resurrection is an interesting one. Augustine interprets both as a removal of the mortality of the flesh. Note that it is not a removal of the body. Rather, it is a transformation of the body – a glorification.

Does anyone know of any other related texts?

[1] Office of Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday.

Download My Book for Free

Thomas Aquinas in 50 Pages

Over 15,000 copies downloaded! This is a quick and easy way to learn the basic philosophy and theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Popes of the last 300 years have endorsed St Thomas Aquinas. Learn more through this accessible resources. Download it for free.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

About Taylor

I am the author of the Amazon bestselling novel Sword and Serpent: A Retelling of Saint George and the Dragon, and 5 other published books on topic ranging from Judaism, Catholicism, Thomas, Aquinas, and Roman history.

I'm also the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute where we offer online theology classes to over 1,600 students in over 30 nations.